Newport News airport getting $10.2 million for taxiway rehab

By Jon Cawley | 757-247-4635

The Federal Aviation Administration has awarded the Newport News-Williamsburg International Airport a $10.2 million grant to rehabilitate three taxiways.

The Peninsula Airport Commission announced the award Monday. The money will go toward a rehabilitation project for taxiways A,B and C where pavement has reached "the end of its life cycle, an airport statement said.

The project is expected to cost $11.3 million and take one and a half years to complete, the statement said.

"The investment by the FAA into PHF's infrastructure is a clear indication that PHF is a viable and important airport, not only in Hampton Roads but to the aviation system," said LaDonna Finch, chairwoman of the Peninsula Airport Commission.

The Newport News airport is currently served by four airlines: Allegiant, Delta, Frontier and US Airways.

The airport has lost about 50 percent of its ridership since the March 9 departure of Air Tran Airways, which was the Peninsula's most popular air service. It closed its Newport News operation as part of a merger with Southwest Airlines and has not yet been replaced.